Nelson Asofa-Solomona has asked George Burgess “are you ready to die?” after wearing a Gladiator helmet, mockingly, to the weigh-ins of their Australian crossover blockbuster.
All of which also occurred only minutes before the Irishman standing in the way of Liam Paro’s shot at Australian sports history — IBF welterweight champ Lewis Crocker – also surprisingly did a runner after hitting the scales at King Georges Square in Brisbane’s CBD.
Paro v Crocker | Wednesday June 24 from 7pm AEST | Liam Paro gets his long awaited title shot against IBF welterweight champion, Lewis Crocker plus Nelson Asofa-Solomona vs George Burgess. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
On the eve of Wednesday’s exciting No Limit showcase at Pat Rafter Arena, both Paro and Crocker hit the scales at exactly 66.65kg.
And while the fighting Irishman refused to do the usual round of media interviews afterwards — instead disappearing back to the hotel with his large entourage — Paro happily spoke about his own push to become world champion for a second time.
Elsewhere, and while Crocker was giving nothing away, it was a far more revealing performance from Australian Lance McDonald — aka ‘The G-Banger’ — who once again hit the scales in his now signature black g-string, and with his rival Jack Javed joining in the fun with a gold number of his own.
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NAS sends chilling KO warning to Burgess | 03:16
For Paro, a win over Crocker will see him become the first Australian-born fighter since Jeff Fenech to win titles in more than one weight class within the four major organisations.
Asked what he saw in their final face off, Paro grinned: “He looked like me, thirsty.
“But we’ve both made weight and have a fight. We’re ready to go. There’s no bad blood, we’re both at the pinnacle of our careers … we’re going in there to put it all on the line”.
In the co-main meanwhile, Asofa-Solomona weighed in at a staggering 139.32kg, and while stood up on the scales in his shiny, silver mask. Burgess, meanwhile, also came in only slightly lighter at 135.84kg.
Paro doubts Crocker can win abroad | 01:36
Undeniably, the mask was a not-so-subtle shot from the fighter ‘Big Nasty’, and meant to poke fun at Burgess’s longstanding friendship with Hollywood megastar Russell Crowe – whose biggest roles, of course, include the Gladiator.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, Burgess revealed Crowe had actually urged him against making his heavyweight debut on Wednesday night, saying he would prefer him to concentrate on acting instead.
It was also something NAS made mention of after weighing in.
“He’s said Russell Crowe doesn’t back him in boxing,” the Melbourne Storm premiership winner started. “And I think we’re going to see why.
“Maybe he doesn’t have the skills, [but] Russell Crowe doesn’t back him for a reason.”
And as for the mask?
“I told him Russell Crowe was going to make an appearance,” Big Nasty continued with a laugh. “And he’s come through. Maximus Decimus Meridius was up there … it wasn’t Nelson.”
At which point Fox Sports Australia asked if he liked the Gladiator flick?
“I watch it before every fight,” Australia’s crossover king replied. “And I’ll watch it tonight”.
Only minutes earlier, Burgess had revealed what was said between the pair when they faced off for the final time.
“He said a few things,” the South Sydney premiership prop said dryly. “Asked me if I’m ready to die.
Crocker sends ominous warning to Paro | 08:17
“And I said ‘yes I am. Are you?’. But I don’t think he was too sure.”
Asked if he was surprised by the line, Burgess continued: “It’s boxing, so it’s no joke in there, mate.
“It’s life or death.
“Two big boys punching hard. I’m ready and I hope he’s ready too.”
Soon after, NAS stressed he was.
“It is do or die,” he responded when asked about the face off line. “And if you’re willing to kill you have to be willing to die.”
Elsewhere, Burgess suggested he wasn’t impressed with the mask.
“He’s clutching at straws a bit,” the former Rabbitohs enforcer shrugged. “Someone probably told him to do it.
“And he’ll need that mask in the ring. Unfortunately though, he can’t bring it in there.”
On Monday, Burgess predicted he would finish NAS with a right hand.
And as for now giving journalists the round?
“Thirty seconds,” he grinned.
Elsewhere, Burgess also explained why he grabbed Asofa-Solomona’s arm during the face off, saying: “I just wanted to feel his pules, his heartbeat, see how he is. And, yeah, I think he’s a bit nervous. A bit wary of me.”
So as for the quick KO prediction?
“That’s what I expect from him,” NAS said during his time in front of the media scrum. “I expect him to come out hard early on. There’s no surprises and he just gave away his game plan. But if he wants to box, he’s in trouble.”
It was a similar message from Paro.
Paro and Crocker ready for title clash | 01:32
“I’ll shake his hand and fight him the same day. Doesn’t bother me,” the Aussie said. “I’ve got a job to do and that’s what I’m programmed to do.”
And as for how he found the weight cut?
“Every cut is hard but nothing good comes easy,” he shrugged. “I realise what is at stake, the magnitude of this fight, and I have to thank No Limit for getting it over the line and getting it here in Australia.”
Elsewhere, Asofa-Solomona also suggested a member of Team Burgess had accosted him at the fighter hotel this week.
“One of his little minions came up to me in the elevator,” he said. “He was asking me some silly questions about ping pong and all this stuff.
“I thought ‘this has George Burgess’s name written all over it.
“He was a Pommy guy. Said ‘I’ve flew over from the UK to see you’.
“I said ‘I don’t care’. I told him where to go.”
NAS also suggested that he has now seen training footage of Burgess.
“I can’t say too much,” he said. “But I’ve seen it.”
Impressed?
“You guys will be the judge,” he grinned.